Former Everton captain Dave Watson admits only big money will take Dave Moyes' team into the Premiership elite.
He told the Daily Post: "David Moyes has done everything possible so far when it comes to improving his squad. He's signed some great players who have really progressed.
"He's spotted the likes of Joleon Lescott and Tim Cahill in the Championship and brought them up to the Premier League and they've become stars.
"He's also spent a lot of money on Yakubu but I'm sure he will continue to get you goals. But when it comes to taking things on to the next level you need finance.
"You have to be able to spend the big money to bring in the Cristiano Ronaldos and Thierry Henrys of this world."